Back To Korea - Three Days & Counting

First off, I'm sorry to those of you who check our blog on a regular basis. The last time I wrote, we were in Tulsa, which was over a month ago now. I started to feel bad when I'd come to this site to check others' blog and I'd see our counter in the top left corner continue to rise. I imagined people coming to the site hoping to see something new and being disappointed instead. I'm sorry to our dedicated viewers for not writing sooner. But honestly, our lives haven't been very exciting lately. Well... maybe that's just an excuse.

Shortly after our last entry, we went to Colorado to see Rebs' dad and step-mom. We hadn't seen them in about a year and a half. We got to run on some open space trails. Rebs fell off her bike when we went riding one day because anything that doesn't get sunlight in the Winter doesn't seem to melt. We had a couple upper 50 degree days and there was still ice on the ground. She walked away with a bruise by her hip, but was okay otherwise. She vowed not to follow me onto ice anymore.

I got my injury when we went skiing a couple weeks into our trip. Rebs' dad knows a lot of people and was able to get a nice condo for us up in Frisco that we stayed at for 5 nights. The skiing was amazing. I love snowboarding, though my body is becoming more fragile than it used to be in high school and college. We got to ski at Keystone, Vail, and Beaver Creek, the latter two I had never been to before. I think I liked Beaver Creek the best. At the base in the morning, they would send out cooks from the kitchen with a silver platter loaded with hot, steaming chocolate chip cookies. I guess it's a good way to make people appreciate paying an arm and a leg to ski there.

The lowlight was probably the fact that I got a concussion on our last day of skiing. It's funny because I had been in the terrain park sliding on rails and going of jumps, riding switch a little bit. I'd even been on the Men's Downhill slope, part of which was a sheet of ice. But when I injured myself, I was actually just cruising down a blue with my brother-in-law Brandon. I must've hit a small patch of snow that had been piled up over the day, and before I knew it, I was on my stomach looking uphill. A lady came by to give me my had and goggles, which had fallen off when I hit my head. I said thanks and reassured her that I was okay, and I honestly felt normal at that moment.

So Brandon and I rode a little slower down to the bottom of the mountain. We decided it was a good time to be finished, even though it was only about 3:15, On the shuttle on the way home my mind started feeling a little foggy. I couldn't remember what day of the week it was (not that I would have known without a concussion). When we got our stuff loaded in the car and were on our way, I remember feeling more and more light headed. I would be sitting, looking out the window and everything would start to white out. So when I knew something wasn't right, I told Brandon that if I passed our he should take me to the hospital. I blacked out about 5 minutes later, and then woke up and proceeded to projectile vomit all over the car the Butterfinger Brandon had given me earlier.

We got to the hospital and I was still pretty out of it, but decided to walk with Brandon into the E.R. anyway. As we walked in, the lady graciously asked which one of us was here for the concussion. I guess she didn't see the vomit on my shirt. They put me in a wheelchair and wheeled me back to a room, where I sat for a while. Then Rebs came in. This is the second time Rebs has had to come visit me in the E.R. It's not the greatest, but is an incredible relief to hold the one you love in your arms and know they're still alive. I got a CAT-scan and they said I had no internal bleeding and could go, but just to monitor my recovery. Everything turned out okay. Next time, I think I'll wear a helmet.

I forgot to mention earlier that we had our first Greyhound experience on the way to and from Denver. It was humbling, embarrassing, and testing of our patience. If you've never ridden Greyhound, I recommend it, but only once. When we first got on in Tulsa, we didn't know what we'd gotten ourselves into. Rebs quietly started crying in the seat next to me. She felt scared. There were some pretty scary people around us. One guy at a stop in Oklahoma City had a t-shirt on it that said "INMATE''. I didn't see it, but why would anyone joke about that? Why would someone wear a shirt like that if they hadn't been one.

Part of me really liked the experience because after talking to some of the people around us, I realized that they were very much like me. People seem a lot scarier if you don't talk to them. I said I was embarrassed earlier. That was because I was on the bus with a nice, warm coat, a laptop computer, a digital camera, and an ipod. And sitting across the aisle was a lady wearing thrift store clothes and all the clothes to her name in a backpack on the floor by her feet. Walking among the impoverished is much different than caring for them from behind a barrier. It's much more real. So in that sense, I don't regret it. For Rebecca's sake, I regret putting her in a situation that she felt unsafe in.

If you've been able to make it this far with us, you're pretty much caught up. We spent a little time in Altus, OK with Rebs's best friend Gabby, and a couple days with Brandi and Cass (my sis and bro-in-law) in their new house. Their kids are so fun. We've been in Fayetteville with her mom now for a few days. But the biggest thing is that we're officially flying out of the country in 3 days.

It's possible that the next time you hear from us that we'll be on the other side of the world. We got to see many of you while we were here and we feel so blessed to have gotten to do that. How many people get to spend 3 and a half months traveling and catching up with friends and family in person. We definitely have a lot to be thankful for. And it's because of you all that we will always call America our home. I don't think I could live overseas for the rest of my life. So until we see you again, find us on Skype or Facebook or just send us an email. In that sense, we're really not that far away.

AHHHHH!!!

I'm still in bed, in my sweatpants as I write this. I have begun to fester in this lifestyle we're living. If you're just tuning in, Rebs and I are living the semi-nomadic lifestyle of living with family and friends for three and a half months until we return to Korea. So far, we have stayed in Tulsa, OK, at my parents, Colcord, OK, with my sis and brother-in-law, Fayetteville, AR with Preston & Leslie, and with Rebs' mom, Rogers, AR with Rebs' grandparents, Kansas City, KS with Rebs' cousins, Lawrence, KS with Rebs' Uncle Brian, Ft. Scott, KS with Rebs' grandpa, and now we're back in Tulsa with my parents again. Some of these places we've stayed more than once.

There have been so many blessings in this life. We've been able to spend time with people whom we love that we would not have been able to if we were working a normal job. God has provided us a unique opportunity, living the way we are. But on the other hand, this lifestyle is not all glamorous. I can't think of how many times we've re-packed our suitcases, all along the way collecting more stuff and wondering in the back of our minds how we're going to get it back to Korea. I've personally gotten an almost entirely new wardrobe since we're going to be "professors" (believe me when I say that I use that term loosely). What is "business casual" anyway. Up to this point in my life, I've been able to get by wearing only jeans and t-shirts most of the time with an occasional dress up to spice things up.

But yes, packing and re-packing is getting old. I've come to recognize that I am a type-A personality in a type-B situation. There is nothing going on right now that I have to do. Nothing calling my attention. When I was a kid, my parents gave me this card that did some sort of definition of what my name meant, which supposedly Dustin means "valiant fighter". I know, a little cheesy, but in many ways it fits me. I have this drive inside of me that just needs to come out-- sometimes in the form of anger, sometimes competitiveness, sometimes general exercise. But it's definitely there. I feel this need to do something worth doing. Do you ever feel this? I don't want to just check stuff off my list of stuff to do. I want to feel like what I'm doing matters.

Normally, my life is reflective of this drivenness, and the drive within me expels itself naturally. But in this rare situation, I have become irritable and restless. I do not get high off shopping like my wife does. She dances around the room in her new shoes that she's so proud of, especially since they only cost her $7.50, which she continues to remind me of with a big smile, like a child to her father, wanting him to be proud of her. I love my wife.

I'm thinking about the people who might be reading this and the jealousy that it might ensue. That's not my purpose. My writing feels more like a description of who I am right now. A little sporadic, a little unfocused, a bit pent up. So for those of you at work, keep it up. I'm slightly jealous of you, especially if you love what you're doing. I want to work hard for some projected goal, whatever it is. But I know that this is where I'm supposed to be right now. Maybe not in bed at 1:20 in the afternoon, but here, resting, storing up energy for our next big adventure that should start just over a month from now.

May God show you his work that you may be a part of it and find joy in doing so.
-----dusty--<><--

Reflections of a year, dreams for the next

What a glorious year I've had! It's been packed full of joy, love, fellowship, and growth. I have shared more love with my husband than I ever knew possible. The most amazing people have come into my life and loved me just as I am. Life in the last year has become for me, all about relationships. It's the people in my life who teach me about myself, my relationship with God, and how to live on this earth as a follower of Christ. Thank you to ALL those who've been a part of my life in the last year. Every one of you have blessed me in my life in one way or another. Thank you for loving me, supporting me, encouraging me, teaching me, challenging me, imparting your wisdom and discernment, listening to me, confronting me, and being patient with me. Words can't describe how appreciative and honored I am to have such amazing people in my life.

The last year has also brought many new experiences, challenges, adventures, and travels. I'd like to share a few. I have seen more of the world than I ever thought I would. I've lived in and explored Korea and vacationed in Thailand. I have climbed LOTS of rocks. I've climbed big rock, steep rock, overhung rock, slick rock, grippy rock, sport, crack, slab, multi-pitch, rocks in Thailand, rocks in Korea, and rocks in America. I have fallen more in love with rock climbing! I've spent many nights sleeping under the stars in a tent. I've challenged myself both physically and mentally and grown stronger. I mountain-biked 113 miles around an island south of Korea. My butt and legs were more tired than they've ever been. I learned to read and speak enough Korean to get around the country. I ate a lot of weird food. I learned to like kimchi and rice. I drank soju. I relaxed at the jimjilbang (bath house). I sang at the noraebong (karaoke). I let little fish eat dead skin off my feet. I watched KU win the national basketball championship. I sang the rock chalk chant all by myself. I survived a year without a car, stove, and microwave. I had one English television channel. I rode on lots of subways and trains and in countless taxis. I wore out one pair of running shoes, one pair of chacos, and lost 2 pairs of climbing shoes. Along with Dusty I started a young-adults ministry at our church. And, I loved on the thousands of Korean children who I had the pleasure of teaching English to.

It was a great year indeed.

I have lots of hopes and dreams for my life in 2009. I hope for good health for my family, friends, and myself. I hope to share another year of love and adventure with Dusty. I hope to continue growing in love with my family and friends. I hope to touch the lives of those who come into my life. I hope to show others the love that Christ has shown me. I hope to love people the way that my God and my dog love me. I hope to become a more faithful, graceful, joyful, peaceful, gentle, supportive, encouraging, wise, discerning, patient, and kind, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, neice, cousin, friend, professor/teacher, co-worker, counselor, acquaintance and servant of God. I hope to learn more about being a mother without actually becoming one yet. I hope to see more of the world. I hope to climb lots of rocks. I hope to grown stronger and climb bigger and harder rocks than ever before. I hope to remain active in my life (in every sense of the word). I hope to learn more Korean. I hope to serve North Korean refugees. I hope to find fellowship with other Believers in a healthy church. I hope to find a place to practice yoga. I hope to see many beautiful sunrises off the beach and sunsets over the mountains. But more than all of these things, I want God's will for my life.

No one can ever know what the next year will hold. Each day is a gift and an opportunity. Just like the subtitle of our blog reads, I aspire to live my life in color. I pray for the courage to be bold and intentional with my life. I know there will be challenges and disappointments. I know people will hurt me and I will be hurt by others. I know I will have some successes and some failures. But more than anything else, I know that through Jesus, there is a merciful God who will always love me. It is with Him, I leave my hopes and dreams for the future.

Love Peace Joy,
Rebs

We Have a New Job!!!

It's been too long since I've written. We've been on the go and focusing on family mostly the past few weeks and I hadn't put much stock into writing. I hope those of you who check this regularly aren't too disappointed. We uploaded a counter to show how many people have been checking. I'm pretty amazed at how high it is already. I didn't think we were that interesting.

So the big news is that we have a job now! We had been applying to all sorts of jobs that were listed on Dave's ESL cafe, getting a few responses here and there. We almost got a job at a university near the place we climbed mostly last year. We had an interview that went well and anticipated an acceptance email, but after a couple days of no word, we followed up only to find out that one of the positions we were to be filling had been retracted. One of the people leaving decided to stay longer, so the university only had one job open until two.

We had gotten our hopes up and then were let down unexpectedly. So we were more reserved about getting our hopes up after that. All the other jobs we applied for seemed to pale compared to that first one. But I knew we needed to continue searching regardless. We started getting a few responses here and there, and we even got desperate and sent our information to a recruiter. One of our responses was at a university called Kwandong. They arranged an interview with us, which lasted over two hours and now I think Rebs is best friends with the recruiter. But it paid off and they offered us a job.

Details: Kwandong University is located on the east coast of South Korea in a city of about 400,000, called Gangneung. The train runs to and from Seoul, taking about 3 and a half hours. You can see the tracks in the picture above. There are 2 beaches within the city limits, as well as one that has bouldering in the next town south of us, about 20 minutes away. There is also rock climbing 30 minutes to the south and 45 minutes to the north in Seoraksan, which you may have seen pictures of in our earlier posts. It's the most beautiful national park in Korea. We're told there are running trails as well as mountains for hiking in and nearby the city.

As for work, we are contracted to teach 16 hours a week over 4 days. Anything beyond 16 hours counts as overtime pay. We're not sure if that extra day off will fall on a Friday or Monday, but if it did, that would mean 3 day weekends! We each get a housing allowance that should more than cover our costs for rent and utilities each month. We really feel amazed and blessed to have such an incredible job in such an incredible location.

So right now, we still have to get criminal record checks and then on to the visa process. As long as it all goes smoothly, this will be where we are and what we're doing for the next year. If you'll keep us in your prayers that everything works out, we'd appreciate it.
<><

Resting

What a beautiful, restful day. Dusty and I are staying in Tulsa at his parents' house. Everyone is at work except us. We have the house all to ourselves. It is cozy and quiet. Our time at home is finally starting to feel like a relaxing vacation. I've accomplished next to nothing today. I'm practicing being still. It's a hard thing for me since I'm so used to being busy. I get restless when I don't have an immediate purpose or goal to work towards. I'm so used to the busyness of life with noise and distractions all around me. But I think it's healthy to slow down, listen, and reflect on my life sometimes. Dusty is outside doing yard work and I'm getting ready to go for a run with Legend. Tonight Dusty is taking me out on a date but is surprising me with the details.

Despite the crappy exchange rate, we still plan to return to Korea. The Korean won is predicted to strengthen again against the American dollar by this spring. We continue to look for teaching jobs. In Korea, the beginning of the school year starts mid February/early March after the Chinese Lunar New Year. We're hoping to have jobs lined up in time to secure our work visas and return to start work around that time. We have turned in several applications. So far, we have one interview lined up for this Sunday evening. The University interviewing us said they usually don't consider foreigners living outside of Korea however, they wanted to make an exception for us due to our "exceptional resumes and references". It would be an amazing job opportunity and is one of our top picks of where we'd like to work. But we're trying not to get too excited yet. There is still a long way to go in this process. We'll keep you updated.

(Posted by Rebs)

Since We've Been Home

Journal entry written on Monday, November 17, 2008 while we were on vacation at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch.

Man, what a perfect, amazing, beautiful day. A “rest” day for us. This morning we drove into the small mountain town of Jasper to eat at the delicious and quaint Ozark Café. It seems to be the town hub where everyone comes to visit and eat. Dusty and I both had the morning special: sausage, an egg, hash browns, and a biscuit and gravy. We shared some fresh squeezed orange juice and vanilla cappuccino. Then we drove up here to spend the day at Sam’s Throne. I’ve never been here before but have always wanted to come. It is glorious!

I’m sitting on top of a huge bluff overlooking a valley full of trees and pastures. The sun is shining and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. All I hear are trees blowing in the wind and bellowing cows down in the valley. It’s maybe 55 or 60 degrees with a slight breeze. As I write this I’m sitting on a flat rock near the edge of a cliff. I’m wearing warm hiking socks, a pair of old, worn blue pants, a red, long-sleeve wicking shirt, and my new puff jacket. It’s the exact same thing I wore yesterday down to my underwear. I’ve taken two showers in the last six days. My muscles and body are tired and relaxed but not sore. My husband is laying about ten feet behind me in the hammock and my dog is curled up, sleeping underneath him in the shade. This moment is flawless. It’s a moment I’ve longed for. It’s a moment I’m committing to my memory so that I can carry it around with me like a priceless treasure. Thank you, Jesus.

We’ve been home two and a half weeks now. We’ve been going at a frantic pace. The time has been spent traveling from place to place like nomads. Home is wherever we happen to be at any give time. We’ve seen most of our friends and family, have eaten numerous good meals, and spent a good share of time in the outdoors climbing, hiking, and camping. The past week has been spent here in the Buffalo River / Blue Mountain Region. It’s the first opportunity we’ve had to be alone with each other for an extended period. I’m starting to slow down and reflect on the last year of my life.

My grandma says I need to write a blog to wrap up our past year in Korea. Well, she’s right. But it’s a daunting task. I’m not sure where to begin and I know it’s not something to which I can give a succinct summary in a single blog. No, I’m afraid this will take some time. I hope to reflect on what I’ve learned as it comes to me. It’s slowly being revealed. For now, I find it easier to start from the present and work my way backwards.

The following is a brief summary of my life since I’ve been back in America:

Thursday October 30th - Come home from Korea. Eat a delicious dinner at Dusty’s parents. Crash.

Friday, October 31st – Biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Mmm! Go visit Dusty’s grandparents. Take two naps. We were exhausted from jet lag and a 15hr. time difference. Delicious fish tacos for dinner.

Saturday, November 1st - Hand out Christmas light fliers around Dusty’s parent’s neighborhood. It’s a side business that we’ve been doing for the past several years to make some extra cash for the holidays.

Sunday, November 2nd – Delicious waffle breakfast. Boulder at Chandler Park in Tulsa. I beat Dusty for the first time on a boulder problem! Spend evening catching up with Nate and Val.

Monday, November 3rd - Drive to Siloam Springs, AR. Buy short-term, catastrophic health insurance over the phone on the way over. Hang out with Cass, Brandi and the kids at New Life Ranch.

Tuesday, November 4th - Drive to Fayetteville, AR, renew driver’s license. Vote for Obama. Visit my mom at work. Stay the night with Preston and Leslie.

Wednesday, November 5th - Meet with church elders and plan a time to speak in church. Meet with our lawyer regarding Dusty’s car accident from a way, long time ago. Rummage through storage unit looking for stuff. Spend afternoon climbing at Shepherd Springs. Community group at Preston and Leslie’s.

Thursday, November 6th – Climb at Lincoln Lake with Leslie. Community group at Cass and Brandi’s. Catch up with friends.

Friday, November 7th - Babysit India and Jude. Drive to Fayetteville, AR. Have dinner at Marketplace. Stay the night at Mom’s with Nate and Val.

Saturday, November 8th - Early oatmeal breakfast. Morning drive out to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. Climb all day with Nate and Val. Hopped on my first 5.12 (Lavendar Eye). Didn’t finish.

Sunday, November 9th – Church. See… everyone. Spend afternoon at Mom’s with Grandma and Grandpa. Rake Mom’s yard.

Monday, November 10th - Rain… all day. Get ready for trip. Catch up on e-mails and correspondence. Do a little shopping.

Tuesday, November 11th - Pack up and drive out to HCR. Set up camp. Get in a late afternoon bouldering session.

Wednesday, November 12th - Climb all day at the North Forty in the corridor. Feel like crap. Hop on Horny Goatweed (5.11a) for like, an hour. Couldn’t get the start. Argh!

Thursday, November 13th - Beautiful day. Dusty feels like crap. Ended up being a rest day. Take a short hike to a secluded area with some picnic tables. Start the Walking with God workbook. Hang out in the tent, reading and napping.

Friday, November 14th - Hop on some climbs up at the North Forty. Starts to rain just as Dusty gets on Crimp Scampy (5.10+), one of my goal climbs for this trip. He leaves some draws for me. We sit together on a ledge waiting for the rain to stop. It doesn’t. Darn! Hike down to our campsite in the rain. Put on our rain jackets. Hike down to the Outpost and return some phone calls. It’s freezing. Drive down to the Buffalo Outdoor Center cabin and shower. Have dinner with Dusty’s parents at the cabin. Cass, Brandi, and kids come out. Sit by the fire and talk.

Saturday, November 15th – Freezing cold morning. Sleeting. Yes, sleeting… and windy. Drive down to the cabin. My mom comes out to the cabin. Have breakfast. Everyone bundles up. We drive up to HCR, hike up to the North Forty and climb. It’s freezing and still sleeting. NO FUN!!! We hike back down to our campsite. Spend the afternoon sitting around a big bonfire. Drive down to the cabin. Big spaghetti dinner. Yum! Then met Clay and Preston up at our campsite.

Sunday, November 16th - Short hike with the Woodson’s and Harris clan. Then back up to HCR. Climbed the North Forty all afternoon with Clay and Preston. Led and finished Crimp Scampy. Yay! Two sits. Hopped on a 5.12 and then 5.11. My arms felt like they were going to fall off. Good, hard afternoon of climbing.

Monday, November 17th - This brings us to today at Sam’s Throne. Relaxing, resting, spending time in God’s creation.

You could say we’ve been a little busy.

Little Heartbreakers

Monday I was taking roll in one of my classes, knowing that this would be my last class with these particular students. Everyday at the beginning of each class I'd always ask each student how they were feeling. The typical answers were, "I'm fine, I'm happy, I'm tired, I'm hungry". But Monday the third student I asked said, "I'm sad." Now whenever my kids say they are sad, bad, or angry I always ask why. So I asked why she was sad and she said, "Because Rebecca teacher go to America on Wednesday." And my heart melted and broke at the same time. My eyes welled up with tears. The remaining 9 kids in the class all proceeded to tell me they were sad when asked how they were feeling that day. It was all I could do to hold back my tears.

It was bittersweet saying goodbye. My students each let me know in their own special way that I matter to them. To know that I've made a difference in their lives is a satisfying feeling. To know that they care enough about me to tell me they'll miss me makes me feel special and honored. It means I've done my job. I've tried so hard to listen, to love, to care, to teach, to empower, to encourage, and to praise. So many times I've wondered if I was doing a good job. It hasn't always been easy but in those last few days with my kids, I was reminded that the struggle and effort was well worth it. Such precious children, they are. They made my heart grow bigger. What a gift. I already miss them so much. I'll probably never see them again but they will always be in my memory and my heart will soften each time I think of them. If only they knew how much I love them.